2025 Concordia Annual Summit

Better Together for a Safer World: Taiwan’s Role in the Age of Uncertainty (Video)

  • Democracy, Security, & Geopolitical Risk
H.E. Dr. Lai Ching-te

Session Summary

Important
Quotations

"Taiwan stands on the front line of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and directly faces the threats of authoritarianism. Taiwan will continue to be a beacon of world peace and a driving force for global prosperity."
H.E. Dr. Lai Ching-te

Key
Takeaways

  • Unity as the Foundation for Global Security: The fundamental lesson from World War II remains relevant today: “Aggression fails, unity prevails.” In an era where authoritarian regimes are converging and expanding, no single country can face complex geopolitical challenges alone. The path forward requires deepening democratic partnerships to maintain lasting peace and build a stable, prosperous world.


  • Democratic Societies Under Siege: Democratic societies are increasingly targeted by disinformation and external interference, posing serious challenges to global peace. The current volatile international landscape has undermined the international order built on pillars of peace, development, and human rights.


  • Taiwan’s Strategic Position and Comprehensive Approach: Taiwan’s position on the front line of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific places it directly facing authoritarian threats. Despite exclusion from the UN system, Taiwan has proven itself as a reliable partner in the international community through consistent action.


  • Multi-Dimensional Security Strategy: Effective security requires a comprehensive approach encompassing:
    • Values-based diplomacy grounded in freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
    • Economic security through supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors.
    • Defense capabilities with significant budget increases and whole-of-society defense.

Action
Items

  • Strengthen Information Defense Systems: Advance cybersecurity measures and combat disinformation campaigns. Enhance citizens’ media literacy programs to build resilience against external interference. Develop mechanisms to find common ground through democratic discourse.

 

  • Expand Democratic Partnerships: Intensify collaboration with like-minded countries on global challenges. Establish formal frameworks for values-based diplomacy initiatives.

 

  • Build Economic Security Infrastructure: Collaborate with global partners to create resilient semiconductor supply chains. Leverage Taiwan’s advantages in manufacturing and end-to-end industrial clusters. Ensure sustainable development of industrial ecosystems.

 

  • Increase Defense Investment: Achieve defense budget exceeding 3% of GDP by next year, aligning with NATO standards. Continue investing in self-defense capabilities and democratic defense systems.

 

  • Achieve Comprehensive Security Resilience: Reach 5% of GDP in defense spending by 2030. Make Taiwan even more resilient and secure to strengthen global democratic defense.

 

  • Foster Global Democratic Cooperation: Work hand-in-hand with global democratic partners to shape a more secure, stable, and prosperous world. Continue serving as a “pilot for world peace and force for global prosperity.”

 

  • Maintain Active Global Engagement: Despite UN exclusion, continue demonstrating willingness to contribute to global wellbeing. Uphold the belief in unity and collaborative approaches to international challenges.

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